Award-winning jazz violinist Benny Brydern is back at Boulevard Music this week with his acclaimed Quartet. Brydern spoke to the News about what we can expect…
What have you been up to since your last visit to Culver City?
I’ve been wearing my “other hat” the last year most of the time, composing and producing music. I released another Smooth Jazz Single called “Rarely Sunny” and I have been working on a documentary feature film since January writing music.
Describe your sound/style?
I call it “early, traditional jazz”, pre-bebop, very melodic and charming. Hot and sweet 1930s/40s Swing ! Inspired by the great guitar player Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli.
Is there any new recorded music available?
Not in that style, but as mentioned before I am branching out into other music genres like “Smooth Jazz” , “Electro Swing “and Neo-classical ( I released a piano album called “Benedikt: Piano Passion: – Arctic Fire” a few months back and “Swing Machine 3” ).
How was your last Boulevard show? Any memories?
It’s such an intimate space ! The audience sits so close and you feel the energy. I have very good memories about it. I also performed there regularly with Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys over the years. So, yes, always good times !
What can we expect from the set this time?
Last time I included a fabulous accordeon player, Frank Petrilli, this time the amazing Craig Fundyga on the vibraphone. It’s a beautiful instrument with many colors and if you are a fan of the stylings of Lionel Hampton, you will enjoy our show even more. Craig is a fantastic musicician. Also on the bill are Hannah Rose Dexter, wonderful bass player and Jake Bluenote on guitar. Jake is a member of the “Hot Club of Los Angeles” and I’m happy he can join us this time.
What else do you have coming up?
Finishing up the soundtrack to the movie and diving into a holiday standard for December release.
Nothing more exciting than working on a winter song during our hot summer !
The Benny Brydern Quartet performs at 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 19 at Boulevard Music. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more information about the show.
Elsewhere this week
The Culver Hotel will be hosting the likes of Sylvia & the Rhythm Boys, and Scotty Bramer. Go to culverhotel.com for more info.
There’s a full program of music at the Cinema Bar this week, as usual. The Hot Club of Los Angeles plays every Monday, and Wednesdays are singer/songwriter and open mic night, plus Jim Doyle, Desi Ramone, Sons of Engineers, Talkin’ Treason, and more.